"Waltz" Your Way to These 10 Benefits of Ballroom Dancing

We are always told that leading an active lifestyle benefits our health and could lead to longevity. However, there are benefits specific to ballroom dancing with plenty of studies to back up each claim. While traditional methods of physical activity tend to stay in the forefront of our minds, ballroom dancing isn't commonly thought of as a way to stay fit, but there is a reason dancers stay in shape, both physically and mentally.

Physical Benefits

• Burn more calories and dance your way to a slimmer waistline with ballroom dancing. "Cha cha" away to increase your metabolism and burn anywhere from 260-500 calories per hour. You could lose as much as a pound per week while having a blast and meeting new people.
• Are your joints bothering you? Do you feel stiff? Dance your way to better flexibility and decreased joint pain. Before beginning any class, Quick Quick Slow instructors will walk you through a stretching routine to prevent any dancing injuries and allow you to perform moves with greater ease. You're joints will thank you, plus you'll learn some new moves!
• Your endurance and strength increases as you attend more and more classes. Tasks that were difficult or caused you to grasp for breath suddenly won't phase you, and you'll find that you're increased endurance allows you to live a fuller life. 
• Ballroom dancing is cardio that's fun. All you have to do to improve your cardiovascular health and decrease blood pressure and cholesterol is dance for at least 30 minutes 4 times a week. Dancing "beats" walking on a treadmill, especially for those who are social butterflies or prone to boredom. Leave those hamster wheels surrounded by glaring TVs behind, and "Rumba" your heart into proper "beat." 
• Your balance and stability will increase. Since dancing is all about proper posture and quick movements, your core, which is responsible for your balance, will feel most of the impact. You'll find that not only will ballroom dancing tighten your core, but for those who are perpetual klutzes, you won't find yourself tripping on air.

Mental Benefits

• Ballroom dancing can prevent dementia. A clinical study performed in Australia found that dancing increased spatial memory which is one of the common symptoms of dementia. All of those "steps" and counting the "beats" really does pay off in more ways than one!
• Suffering from anxiety or depression? Ballroom dancing helps to alleviate anxiety and depression by providing a creative outlet of self-expression. You'll find yourself dancing the Foxtrot while doing everyday tasks or humming a tune after taking ballroom dancing lessons instead of wallowing in negative self reflection. 
• Boost your mood by joining a ballroom dance class. Dancing releases endorphins since it can be very physically draining. Those endorphins will put you in a better mood all day after each ballroom dance class and will make people wonder exactly what you've been doing to brighten your face so much.
• Increase your self-esteem and confidence. As you make new friends and get in better shape, you're self-esteem will increase. Ballroom dancing offers you a way to learn something new while making friends which only serves to boost your confidence.
• Get your social life back with ballroom dance classes. If you're looking for a way to meet new people, but going to a club or bar just isn't your cup of tea, then ballroom dancing is for you.

If you're interested in dancing your way to a healthier you, contact us at Quick Quick Slow Ballroom. Let us help you enjoy all of these benefits and more!